, 53 E ■ 

ESTHER, 



1^^ 



THE PERSIAN jllEEi. 



A DRAMA 



IN FIVE ACTS, 



REV. JOHN P. BRENNAN 



McXALI^V 13R01S. 

GENERAL AGENTS, 
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO. 



i 



"- jANyilB98 'fi 



ESTHER, 



THE FERSli OLIEE^, 



A DRAMA 



IN FIVE ACTS, 



HV 



^"-2- 



REV. JOHN P. BKE3MMAcN,j:: _ 

/v'"" OFFICE OF THE^'^I' 

-J^2so-^m 27 mi 



V. 



(iKNKRAJj AGENTS, ' ' *" 

VOim(JSTOWN, OHIO. 






THE GREENWOOD SCHOOL SUPPLY CO. PRINT. 
YOUNCSTOWN. OHIO. 



\ 



7/f 



WITH REGARD TO COSTUME. 



The scene of the drama is hiicl in Susan of the 
Persian empire, in the fifth eentnry l)ef()re Christ. 
Assuerns wears a })urple robe edged witii gohl, with 
flowing sleeves, and confined at the waist by a broad 
girdh^ This is the cancli/s, or Median garment, 
rnderneath is worn a tunie, also of purple, but 
stri])ed with white, and reaching to the knees. Tiie 
trousers are of crimson, while the high shoes are of 
salfron hue, tapering at the toe in Median fashion. 
The kifaris, or headdress ()f the monarcdi is distinct- 
ive. It is a tall stiff cap of bright color, tiat at the 
top, and surrounded at the bottom by a fillet si)()tted 
with white on a blue field. For stage ])urposes the 
conventional oriental crown will doubtless^ ))rov(^ 
more acceptable. The sceptre is a })lain rod, about 
five feet in length, and ornamented at its up])er (Mid 
with a knob, or ball. 

Esther is clad at first in the simi)l(' dress of a 
.Jewish maiden; then in the rolx^s of royalty and 
wearing a tiara, or royal headdress of Persia: again, 
in sackcloth during her season of penance. 

The nobles and courtiers are attired similar to 
the king, excepting the royal cap. Their Headdress 
is the low cap, or simply the fillet. 

Mardochai wears at first the plain garb of a 
|)riyate citiz(Mi ; hiter on he is robed as a Persian 
prince. 

Zethar nuiy be distinguished by a red cap with- 
out the fillet, and by a sleeveless gown. 

Appropriate costumes for tlie remaining, as well 



4. 



K sr H K H ; r he i' e ks i a n <^> u e en, 



j»s the minor characters, will readily su^-^'est them- 
selves. 

With regard to court letujuette, two points may 
be noted : Upon entering the royal presence, pros- 
tration — the attitude of worship — was required of all. 
This may be sutiiciently indicated on the stage by 
bending low the head, and bringing the outstretched 
arms together, so that the hands are horizontally in 
line with the head. While royal audience is given, 
the hands are concealed in the tiowing sleeves. This 
may be the posture when the sense of the lines per- 
mit. 




CAST OF CHARACTERS. 



ASSUKKIS 
KiSTHKH 

Ha >f an 
Ma kdocii at 
Za hks 
Zetiiak 
Thamak, V 

Adej.aik. ( 
Mama I.O.N. I 
Dkhhoha. ' 

A DM AT 11 A. I 

t'HAKSKNA. \ 
MAIAIAN, j 

Hazatii. 
Hakhona, ' 

H()(;atiian, I 

THAKKS, ^ 

At HA (11 

CllAKOAS. I 

Ahijatha. *> 

I'llAKSIS. 

Makks, f 

-M aksana. 

.NFAMrCIIAN. k 
\A(;a... I 



KiiiK of Persi; 

<iiU'en of Porsij 

A I'riiUM'ly Kavorit( 

I'licle to Kstlir 

Wife of Ha nun 

Court .l.'sti' 

Maids of JIoiio 
Prisiaii Princr 



( 'oiis])irarors 

Sci'\ant lo t lit" (^iie<Mi 
Scribes 



COPYKKIHT, 
HV THE ACTHOK, 
1897. 



Esther; the Persian Queen. 



ACT I. 



SCENE 



Hoiist' of Mnrdoi'hai. simply furbished. Mardocluii reclining 
on !i coiicli. Enter KiSther; Mardt)cliai ris<>s slowly. 

ESTHER. 

Wliat I uncle dear, yet sleepest thou? behold 
The regal sun is sweeping high upon 
His course to farort' Israel. Ah, me! 
Thou dreamest still of Juda's balmy plains, 
Her wooded hills and many winding streams. 
Alas, dear uncle, we are captives, but 
Yet faithful to the Lord, our God, 
Who holdeth us with loving clasp within 
The hollow of His hand. 

MARDOCHAI. 

Dear Esther, thou 
Art ever cheering to old Mardochai. 
The Lord hath made thy presence like unto 
A healthl'id spring that warmeth e'en 
The wintr}^ blood of age. Aye, thou didst sjx-ak 
Of dreams; raethought I was awake and saw 
A vision passing strange. 

ESTHER. 

A vision? what 
Did it portiMul? 

MARDOCHAI. 

I know not, Esther, for 
It seenu'd to nie that there w^ere voices loud 



8. Esther; the Persian queen. 

And harsh upon the earth, and tumults that 

Did speak of blood. Dread thunders rolled adown 

The vault of heaven, and the timid earth 

Did quake in fear, while every element 

That nature claims, forsook its destined course; 

And then, behold, two dragons came from out 

The w^reck of earth to meet in mortal strife ; 

Like pits of fire their eyes flashed forth a flame 

'I'hat none could see and live ; their horrid mouths 

Distended, bared such rows of monstrous teeth 

With sharpened tips, as likened them to lines 

Of Persian spears; their giant limbs seemed scarce 

To find fit resting place on earth. 

ESTHER. 

In truth, 
A dreadful vision ! canst thou say what then 
BefelV 

MARDOCHAI. 

The dragons cried, and such a cry 
May mortal ears ne'er hear, so anguished was 
The cry, and at the sound all nations leagued 
To war against the just. The wreck of earth 
Was moved again, and days of darkness came 
With danger and distress, w^hile nameless fear 
Encompassed all; the just prepared for death. 
But as they prayed, a tiny stream grew fast . 
Into a mighty flood, abounding far 
In many waters ; then the sun uprose 
With gladsome rays, and filled the w^orld with liglit 
The humble were exalted, and devoured 
In might, the haughty of the land. 

ESTHER. 

Most strange ! 
The Lord our God hath spoken in this wise 
To warn His people of impending doom. 



A DRAMA IM FIVE ACTS. 



MARDOCHAI. 



"IMs tli;it T fear; my he»rt is sick with dread. 

Hut, hark! the triini})et sounds. (Trniiipet is heard .) 



ESTHER. 



Ho, Thamar, (]uiek 
Come liitlier. [hJiifer lli<(htar.) 

What hath caused this loud uproar 
In [Susan's peaceful mart? 



Fair mistress, 't is 
The herald's blast to summon all unto 
Our great king's royal feast. The palace grounds 
Are richly decked with silks and cloth of gold. 
All Susan will attend. 

MARDOCHAI. 

Not all, not all. 
Poor Thamar; few of Susan will partake 
Of Persia's sumptuous feast. (Trinnpet sounds.) 

Again the blare 
Of noisy trumpets and the thund'rous shout 
Of thousands! can this be the vision's end? 
Doth Persia's feast begin anew our woe? 
Is Juda to endure another scourge 
Than chains and exile? Thrice unhappy race, 
Thou hast abandoned God, and in His wrath 
He hath abandoned thee, first, to th3'self, 
And then, to wicked men! 

ESTHER. 

Nay, uncle dear. 
Invoke not sorrow till it come at God's 



10 ESTHER; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 



Behest; nor picture evil for the just 
Of Israel. Arouse thy drooping heart, 
And look with steadfast eye upon the throne 
Of our true king, the Lord, Who loveth best 
The souls He most chastiseth. 

THAMAR. 

Master, go 
We not to join the throng before the gates 
Of mighty Assuerus? 

MARDOCHAI. 

Peace, I pray 
Thee, Thamar; turn away thine eyes from pomp 
That Hattereth the pride of man, and pay 
Thy deepest homage to the Lord alone. 
I will not hence. 

ESTHER. 

We shall but mingle with 
The joyous multitude. Give over grief 
That shortens life in vain, and leave to God 
The welfare of His just, for in His own 
Good time He will make clear the vision. Come 
Thou, Thamar, let 's away. (Exen7if Esther and 
Thdinar.) 

MARDOCHAI. 

While idle sounds 
Of mirth arise, I'll to mine humble shrine, 
And pray for Israel, His chosen race. [Exit.) 

SCENE II. 

Banquet hall of Assuerus. King, Hanum, priiu-es. nohlt's. 
^Hu^rds, and slaves. Zethar and the seven eunuchs. 

ASSUERUS. 

Our glory hath been great before the world, 

And men have marveled at our power and wealth : 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. ]J 

From Jndia's diamond fields to distant hills 
Of swart h and golden Ethiop', a burst 
Of praise hatli reached our ears. 

HAMAN. 

Great king. 
Thy bounty wins the hearts of all, and like 
A god thou boldest power! 

ZETHAK. 

Yet cannot cause 
The rain to fall, or tlowers to garb the fields. 

ASSUERUS. 

Who dares to speak? 

HAMAN. 

An insult to our I^ord, 
The king! 

ZETHAR. 

Nay, sire, restrain thine anger; it 
Was Zethar spoke. 

ASSUEKUS. 

Peace, fool, lest thou my wratli 
Provoke. 

HAMAN. 

Beware, all ye who would o'erstep 
The patience of our w^orthy king; and, mark. 
The gil)V)et can iiprear its awful head. 

ZETHAR. 

Aye well, and clas]) the noblest head in its 
Embrace. 

ADMATHA. 

Ejiough I ))lagU(^ not the king with words. 



12 ESTHER; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 



CHARSENA. 

Most gracious sire, thy feast is not complete, 
And pardon one wlio doth presume to ask 
The presence of our lovely queen, the kind 
And gentle Vasthi. 

ALL. 

Gracious sire, the queen. 
The queen ! 

ASSUERUS. 

It pleaseth well our ears to hear 
The loyal cry. What, Mauman and Bazath ! 

BOTH. 

Thy pleasure, sire. 

ASSUERUS. 

Go with thy trusted five 
Companious to g'-eat Persia's queen, and say 
Her lord and master wishes her to near 
The royal presence ; bid her wear the crown 
Of empire on her brow that all may see 
The glory of our state. 

BOTH . 

Thy word, O king. 
Is law. 

ASSUERUS. 

We reign in peace o'er near the world: 
Twice three score provinces their wealth 
And homage yield to Persia's sceptre; vast 
And mighty is our sway. 

HAMAN. 

Above the kings 
Of earth thou boldest judgment. 



A DUAMA IK FIVE A(n^S. < '^ 



CHARSENA. 

But thy wise 
And most just laws do crown thy wondrous reign. 



ASSUEUUS. 



Thv homage hath a balm for ills of state-— 
Hui, peace, the slaves return. {Enter Vann.n. 
Bnzath and others with downcast mten.) 

ALL. 

The queen ! the queen ! 

ASSUERUS. 

What, knaves! do ye presume to come so far 
Advanced before our queen? 

MAUMAN. 



The royal Vasthi will not come. 

ASSCERUS. 

() death 
And furies! will not comeV thou liest, slave! 
Thy head shall pay the i)rice. 

HAZATH. 

'T is true, great king, 
l)ur royal mistress spurned our words. 

ASSL'EIUJS. 

Your words? 
Nay, ours she spurned, and on her head the wrath 
Ot" Persia's king shall fall. 



14 ksthek; thk Persian queen, 

HAM AN. 

() monstrous crime! 

ASSl EKUS. 

Ye ])rinees, how shall we doom Vasthi who 
Hath dared to scorn your king? 

CHARSENA. 

Tear from her brow 
The crown of state ! she is unworthy her 
Great rank 

ADMATHA. 

And banish her from Persian lands. 

HAM AN. 

Most wise the counsel ! 

ASSrKKLS. 

Then we do decree 
That Vasthi, once our honored tjueen, be borne 
Beyond the hills that range their hoary heads 
In distant India; and thus our fame 
Will grow, that we who made her proudly great, 
Have in a word destroyed her power. 

ALL. 

Great 
Is Assuerus, Persia's mighty king! 



A DRAMA I\ FIVE A(!TS. 15 

ACT II. 

SCENE 1. 

Street of Susan before the palace sates. Pnx-e.ssioii singiii<< 
t lie ])raisi's of Assuerus and Esther. Bo.a;athan and Thares discuss 
thcii- plot, which Mardocliai overliears. 

CHORUS IN PRAISE OF ESTHER. 

All bnil to Persia's queen, 
Ksther fairest queen; 
Weave g'arlands for her brow, 
Flowers to wreathe her brow. 

Her beauty made her queen. 
Hath erowned her Persia's (jueen; 
She ruieth o'er our hearts, 
Jluleth o'er our hearts. 

May life and health attend 
Health the queen attend ; 
Long- may she live our queen, 
Esther fairest queen, 
Esther fairest queen. 

[Exit proces.sio/i. ) 

I Mai-dofhai with l)OWed hend stands near a pilhir. Boijathan 
and Tliares remain nearby.] 

liOCATHAK. 

"]' is phiin, good Thares, our right worthy king 
Tpraiseth favorites as pleaseth his 
Most mighty will. 

THARES {IoikUjI . ) 

How now, Bogathan. dost 
Thou niurnuir 'gainst thy lord? 

[.Mardocdiiii becomes attentive.] 

BOGATHAN. 

Hush, niadnian I wouldst 
Thou bring the guards about our heads? I speak 
lint trulv, for thou knowest well we have 



10 ESTHER; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 



Not ranked so high of late in Persia's eyes; 
Forgotten are our deeds on Grecian shores, 
And lauded is this Esther, scarcely known 
Until today. 

THARES. 

Most true, Bogathan, yet 
What can we do? 

P.O(4ATHAN (sloH'lf/.) 

The slave and king are on 
An equal footing when alone! {Draws a dagger.) 

THARES. 

What! kill 
The king? 

BOGATHAN. 

A curse upon thee! hold thy tongue, 
And let us to a safer place. 

THARES. 

'Tis well. 
For deeds of darkness shun the light of day. 

( Fy.ceinif . ) 
M A RDocH Ai ( Comes for tear d. ) 

Mine ears have heard the treason, and mine eyes 

Have seen the traitors, as our Lord the God 

Of Jacoh hath designed! I'll to the queen. {K.n'f.) 

SCENE ir. 

Kin,i::'s apnrtiuent— King reclining on coucli— Haniaii, Zetliar. 
atteMidantsand scribes. Esther enters. 

ASSUERUS. 

Good nu)rrow, Esther. Thou dost fairer grow 
From day to day, and worthy more to be 
Our queen. 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. IT 



ESTHER. 

My lord the king hath pheasant words 
For Esther, and she fain would stay the speeeh 
She earae to utter. 

ASSUERUS ( bending forvard. ) 

What doth cause this fire 
'W) s])arkle in thine eyes? 

ESTHER. 

Great king, thy life 
Is weighed by lowborn knaves ; the balance hangs 
Upon thy word. 

HAM AN. 

Foul treason ! 

ASSUERUS. 

What strange speech 
Is this? Hath Esther felt the burning breath 
Of traitors? Speak, and death shall cool their blood I 

ESTHER. 

Tn truth, I have, my lord: old Mardochai, 
A faithful subject hath o'erheard a plot 
To sla}" great Persia's king. 

ASSUERUS. 

Ye furies ! speak 
Their names. 



Bogathan and swarth Thares have 
Conspired against thy life. 

(HaniJin starts, and turns nsldr.) 



18 p:sther ; the Persian queen, 



ASSUERUS. 



My trusted slaves ! 
By mighty Baa^, they do laugh at death. 
What, Haman ! straightway seize upon those dogs, 
And cause enquiry touching on their guilt; 
If traitors, make their fate a gruesome sign 
To impious eyes that I am king. 

HAMAN (hatred head.) 

A death 
To frighten f.ends will be their lot. 

(Exit with soldiers.) 

ZETHAR. 

The slave. 
And not his knife, doth shed the blood. 

ESTHER. 

Most wise 
Thy words, but not o'erclear. 

ASSUERUS. 

What meanest thou 
By riddles to thy king? 

ZETHAR. 

Why punish but 
The senseless tools of ill? strike rather, king, 
The hand that holds them fast. 

ASSUERUS (contemptuously.) 

Enough, thou dolt, 
I weary of thy words. 

ZETHAR. 

In truth, I too, 
Begin to weary. 



A DRAMA IN FIVE A(^TS. 19 



ASSUEKUS. 

Now, that we have stayed 
'I'he trait'rous hand, we shall to state affairs 
Direct our thoughts. A kind farewell, my queen : 
TlKni hast the heartfelt thanks of Persia's lord, 
('oirie, guards, attend. 

[Exeimf kincf and (iffendnufs.) 

ESTHER. 

Thus God in kindness deals 
\\'ith Isra(4; Init strange it is, the king 
Overlooked leal Mardoehai. Make note, ye seril)e^ 
Of this event, and let the annals show 
His worth. 

SCRIBES. 

It shall be done, most gracious queen. 
[Exeunf Esther and ma ids. ^ 



ACT III. 



SCEXE I 



Street of Susan— people passla«4 — chorus In pruise of Haniai 
\\ ho passes with his retinue— Mardoehai refuses to bend thf knee 

CHORUS IN PRAISE OF HAMAN. 

Hainan hath served Persia's kinj^-. 
Princely hath the service been; 
Joyful we his praises sing, 
Happy that he praise doth win. 

And proud of his reward. 

And proud of his reward ; 
We honor niij^hty Ilanian, 

And sing of his reward. 

Bend the knee to Persia's prince; 
Haman is our mighty lord ; 
Homage do to Persia's pi'ince. 
For 't is thus that kin.gs reward, 



20 ESTHER ; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 

'T is thus that king's reward. 
'T is tliLis that kings reward, 
All glory then to Haman, 
For thus do kings reward. 
(Proc-ession halts. Adniatha, leading a division, retui-ns, and 
presents himself before Haman.) 

HAMAN. 

Adraatha, why this long delay? who dares 
To stay our march of triumph? 

ADMATHA. 

Noble lord, 
The populate of Susan hath so thronged 
Our path that lowered spears can scarcely force 
Their way. 

HAMAN. 

Then bid our Macedonians 
To lead the van. (Exit Aduuffha .) 

ZETHAR. 

Against the loyal hearts 

HAMAN (angrily .) 

Peace, thou knave, and harken when 
Great Haman speaks. 

ZETHAR. 

'T is through a foolish love 
For kingly favorites they crowd the streets — 
But hark ! is not that music to thine ears. 

(Chorus is heard siiKjiiuj the, praises of Haiiidii.) 

HAMAN. 

Presume not rashly on thy clownish rank 
To chafe a prince. But, hold ! Charsena, who 
Is 3^onder churl that stands with moody brow, 
Forgetting his obeisance? 



Of Persia? 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 21 



CHARSENA. 

Great my lord, 
'T isMardochai the Jew whom Persia's kiu^ 
Hath looked upon with kindly eye. 

HAM AN. 

And now 
Forsooth, will brave our wrath. Down, stubborn Jew, 
U])on thy knees, and do me honor ! 

MARDOCHAI { ivif?) foUlt'd aritKs.) 

Great 
Art thou, O Haman! but to God, the Lord 
of Abraham, alone I bend the knee 
In worship; thou'rt a man, though great of earth. 

CHARSENA. 

Thou insolent ! 

HAMAN. 

Ha! Jew, thou pleadest well; 
I'm not a god, but mark ! I can and will 
Take vengeanee like a prince. Thou dog, kneel down ! 

MARDOCHAI 

Old Mardochai doth honor thee as })rince, 
But not as God. 

CHARSENA. 

A trait'rous knave. 

HAMAN. 

Ho, guards I 
Advance! Another day, thou Jewish churl. 
We shall exact thy homage. 

ZETHAii (liftiii<j his hnuds in 7)iock' fenr.) 

Spare us all ! 



ESTHER ; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 



SCENE II. 



Queen's apartments. Esther seated. Thaniar and maids at- 
tending, 

ESTHER. 

Go, slave, and learn who waits without. 

i^Exit )naid.) 

THAMAR. 

Mine eyes deceive me, if it be not thy 
Most trusted Athach. 

ESTHER. 

Strange that he should fear 
To enter. 

THAMAR i^as Athach enters.) 

Aye, his brow is sad to read. 

ESTHER. * 

Do thou command him hither — hold ! he comes. 
What meaneth Athach in this mood before 
His queen? 

ATHACH. 

Great mistress, Athach hath just cause 
For woe, and Persia, too. 

ESTHER (.starting J'onrard. ) 

Thy words betray 
A mighty sorrow. 

ATHACH. 

Gracious queen, hast thou 
Not heard the direful tidings? Why, methought 
The gentlest breeze that passed o'er Susan's mart 
Had whispered blood ! 



A DRAMA IN P^IVE ACTS. 28 

ESTHER. 

What meanest thou? speak, shive ! 

ATHACH. 

Alas, alas! an edict of the king 
Is posted high upon the palace gate, 
Condemning every Jew in Persia's land 
To cruel death ! 

ESTHER. 

Oh, woe is me and mine! 

THAMAR. 

Most nob^e mistress! 

ESTHER. 

How hath Israel 
Ott'ended thee, O Lord, that all should die? 
Woe, woe to Juda ! who can now recall 
The fatal sentence since the king hath spoke ! 
Old Mardochai hath seen aright, and with 
Prophetic vision hath long years ago 
Foretold our doom. 

ATHACH. 

Nay, noble mistress, thou 
Art still a (pieen. 

THAMAR. 

And wilt renuiin a (lueen. 

ESTHER. 

Perchance in your aitections, faithfid friends, 
But not in Persia's heart; the day my race 



24 ESTHEli ; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 



Is known, that day I die; yet not, to hold 
One instant more this fleeting state called life, 
Would Esther, if she could, deny the blood 
That courses thro' he*- veins. 



Most gracious queen, 
Thy words are strong with Judith's fire, and would 
Inflame plebeian blood. Would that the Jews 
Of Susan's streets might hear thy voice! methinks 
E'en Mardochai would hope. 

ESTHER. 

Leal Mardochai ! 
Hast seen the honored Jew? 

ATHACH. 

He waits without 
The gate, and wears the sackcloth, while his locks 
Of gray disheveled sprinkle ashes at 
Each trembling step. 

ESTHER. 

Go, bid him enter b}" 
The secret path. 'T is thus, O Thamar, that 
A king rewards a faithful race. Alas ! 
The mockery of earthly pomp — a queen 
Today; tomorrow thrust from high estate. 
And scorned by all, — a people tried and true 
Are at a courtier's nod condemned to death ! 

(Enter Mardochai and Athach.) 
Leal Mardochai, thy vision, then, was true. 

MARDOCHAI. 

Too true, great queen, and much I fear yet half 
Untold. 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS, 



ESTHEK. 



Some petted tiatterer at court, 
1 ween, dotli know the other half . 

MARDOCHAI. 

And who 
But Haman? He hatli phmned this wrong to glut 
His vengeance on old Mardoehai. Go thou, 
Great queen, to Persia's king, and beg the boon 
Of our sad lives. 

^ ESTHER. 



Alas! poor Jew, thou dost 
Not know the king, nor Persia's laws; the one 
Is fixed as adamant, the other will 
Not change. 

THAMAR. 

Th}" glance will melt the adanuint; 
Thy word, transform the law. 

ATHACH. 



Denv thee? 



What can the king .„ 



MARDOCHAI. 



Gracious queen, thy peoi)le cry 
To thee; their hope art thou, and if thou turn 
Deaf ear to their entreaty, hope is dead, 
And with that hope all Israel. 



ESTHER. 



Alas! 
Their hope is vain; weak Esther reignelh (]ueen 
B3^ favor, and her glory doth reflect 



26 ESTHER ; THE PERSIAN QUEEN. 



The might of Assiieriis; she would fain 

Beseech the king, butfeareth that his wrath 

Might spur our doom. Command all faithful Jews 

To don the sackcloth, and with ashes deck 

Their heads; pray to the Lord with fasts and tears 

To spare His wayward people, for our hope 

Is prayer, since prayer will summon God to our 

Assistance. 

MARDOCHI. 

God is mercy ! (Ejceunt Jfardocln' and Athach.) 

ESTHER. 

Come, ye maids. 
In sackcloth we shall dress our grief, and as 
With perfumed ungents of old Araby, 
Annoint with ashes penitent the head 
Of sorrow, while we weep our prayer to God. 



ACT IV. 



SCENE I. 



Haman's palace. Hainan, Zares, Charsena, Adniatha. HarlKuia. 
friends, guards, slaves, etc. 

* HAM AN. 

Great is our power, vast our garnered wealth : 
To us the proudest noble bends the knee. 
And from our very shadow shrink in fear 
The w^retches we have marked for wrath ! 

OHARSENA. 

Great prince, 
We ,yield thee homage ! 

ZARES. 

Gracious lord, thy wife 
And children worship thee ; all Persia draws 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 2/ 

New life and wisdom from thy master mind; 
Thro' thee the king doth reign. 

HAMAN. 

Nay, Zares, thou 
Must not deny the king his meed of praise ; 
Do thou but name us Persia's arm of state, 
Our cup of glory will be filled. 

ADMATIIA. 

Great prinee, 
Humility may not conceal thy worth ; 

CHARSENA. 

Hut doth emblazon yirtue on each act. 

ZARES. 

Then, be thou hailed as Persia's strong right arm. 
That holdeth in its might the reins of law 
And Justice. 

ALL. 

Great is Haman, Persia's strong 
Right arm ! 

HAMAN. 

The king, most gracious master, hath 
Invited us to weigh alfairs of state, 
And as a pledge of high authority. 
Hath given us his signet ring. {^Ilolds up the riini. 



ADMATHA. 

The seal 



Of royal power 



28 ESTHER; THE PERSIAN (,>UEEN, 



HAMAN. 



And it seenieth good 
And just to us that traitors taste the draught 
Of ill they have prepared with cunning care 
For our vast empire. 

(^HARSENA. 

Let them die ! 

ZARES. 

I know 
Thy mind; the Jews are under sentence. 

HAMAN. 

And 

By Haman's all but royal power, they 
Shall perish root and branch ! 

ADMATHA. 

Most wise and just 



The judgment. 



CHARS EN A. 

Loyal prince ! 



We have dispatched 
Our henchmen to the empire's distant bounds 
With copies of the royal edict signed 
By our own hand ; our might is dreadful in 
Its wrath, for high in favor do we stand 
With Assuerus. 

ZARES. 

Mighty prince ! 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 29 



HAMAN. 



The king 
Will on the morrow dine with Esther who 
Hath graciously invited us to sit 
At table with her lord — none else may come. 

ADMATHA. 

Thy rank o'ertoppeth all. 

CHAKSENA. 

And from its proud 
And lofty eminence, like Asshur's wall, 
But looketh down on us to know its height 
And strength. 

HAMAN. 

Yet this is nothing, while that Jew 
Doth scorn and mock us with his moody brow — 
Doth taunt us with his pride Ye fiends ! why have 
We born this insult ! there, he sitteth, base 
And churlish Jew, and will not rise to do 
Us homage; yea, and standing, will not bend 
His knee. 

ZARES. 

The gibbet chokes such pride. 

HAMAN. 

The wretch 
Defied us to our face ! 

CHARSENA 

Do thou command 
Thy slaves to rear a gibbet. 



;^0 esthek; the Persian queen, 



ADMATHA. 

In the mart 
Of Susan let it stand, that all may see 
The traitor's death. 



Build fifty cubits high 
That this same Jew may overlook at ease 
The city he had thought to scorn, for, in 
His pride, he hath mocked Susan when he mocked 
Her lord. 

HAM AN. 

Harbona, take ten slaves and build 
A gibbet in the ma'-ket place, and rear 
Its beam full fifty cubits high, and on 
Its dizzy height hang Mardochai. 

HARBONA. 

It shall 
Be done, my lord. {Exit irt'th sJares.) 

CHARSENA. 

Not Mardochai \\ ho saved 

ADMATHA. 

And lives by royal favor? 

HAMAN. 



The king-y 



Aye, 

The same, and though the king doth be displeased. 

That Jew shall die ! Ah, Mardochai, the wrath 

Of Persia's greatest prince shall make thy fate 

A dreadful warning to all stubborn slaves, 

And teach the world that Haman rules this land I 



A DRAMA IN FIVE A('TS. B] 



SCENE II. 

Kliiil's npnrrnit'iit. Assucrus on a couch. Zcthai-. S'liliiicls, slav 
■Ic. 

A8SUERUS. 



[)uv wearied brain doth vainly seek surcease, 

From cares of state, but strangely wayward sleep 

Hath ol't this night refused to welcome us, 

A king, to its oblivion; we must 

Al)ide the fates; yet 'tis most hard to win 

Repose, and not enjoy its fruits. 



ZETHAK. 

['anst thou not summon sleep? 

ASSUE Ill's. 



Great king. 



Ha, fool, the mock 
Is ever on thy li])s! Bid Mauman and Bazath 
Attend us. *( E.r/'f Zetlidr.) 

Great, indeed, yet like a child, 
\N'hen wrestling with the mighty force 
riiat nature owns; 3^ea, we are king of men. 
In that we hold their wills subservient 
l\> our behest; we grasp the reins, and guide 
rheir course to our appointed goal; their strength 
t>eeomes our own; but nature spurns our rule, 
[)isdaining earthly masters. 

{Enter Mail HKHi, liazalh nnd Zcflidr.) 

MAUMAN. 

( Iracuous lo) (I, 
riiy slaves await thy [)leasure. 



82 ESTHER; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 



ASSUERUS. 

Mailman, canst 
Thou lay on kingly eyes the balm of sleep? 

MAUMAN. 

Most gracious sire, if this poor life could buy 
The majesty of Persia but a moment's ease, 
Then cheap would be the price. 

ASSUERUS. 

Alas ! not all 
The lives in Persia woidd suflflce. 

BAZATH. 

Great king. 
Thy servant ma}^ command the roj^al scribes 
To bring the annals of the kingdom, and 
Recount to thee the glories of thy reign ; 
'T will soothe thy soul. 

ASSUERUS. 

Wise are th}^ words; 
Go, call the scribes. 

BAZATH, 

My lord, they are near by ; 
Thy servant hath presumed to know thy will, 
And brought them hither. 

{^So'ibes come foi'ward . Buzafli retires.) 

ASSUERUS. 

Read, ye slaves, the acts 
Of our most prosperous reign. (Scribes read.) 

True, Mardochai 
Hath saved our life; read, slave, the passage once 
Again. 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 88 



And Mardochai dis(*()vereth 
A i)lot to slay the king: Bogathan and 
False Thares are found guilty — 

ASSUERUS. 

What reward 
Hath Mordochai received ? {Bazafh refums.) 

MAI MAN. 

None suited to the deed. 

ASSUERl'S. 

What eounsellors have we! who standetli in 
The Court? 

BAZATH. 

Great King, the |)rineely Haniaii hath 
But now appeared. 

ASSUERUS. 

Call Haman hither; strange, 
That loyal servants should so find their king 
Ungrateful. { K nfer Hcuiudi and Bazath.) 

Haman, how shall we give grace 
And honor unto one we would exalt 
Above his fellowmen? 

Z ETH AR . ( Mo('h-in(lhj . ) 

Spare not thy words, 
(jreat Haman, for {)erehanee — 

ASSUERUS. 

■ ' ' Peace, fool, thy toiigiie 

Doth wag too freely. 

11 A MAN 

Sii'c, the man whom thou 
Desireth to exalt, shall wear thy robes, 



34 ESTHER; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 

And seated on the liorse thou ridest, shnU 

Go forth in Susan, bearing on his head 

Thy royal crown, while Persia's noblest i)rince 

Shall lead the horse and cry aloud: Thus shall 

Be honored he whom Assuerus hath 

A mind to honor. 

ASSUERUS. 

Thou hast apokeii well ; 
Make haste, take robe and horse and crown, and do 
This same to Mardochai, the Jew. (HariKoi sfdrts.) 

Take heed 
That thou fulfill thy words! [H (oitan's haad d roops .) 

HAM AN. 

It shall be done. 

ZETHAR. 

Great king, a wisdom not thine own hath framed 
Thy speech, and measured with thy royal lips 
The meed of justice. 

ASSUERUS. 

Ha, the jester hath 
Become a courtly censor, seeing good 
Or evil in our judgment, as his sense 
Of duty prompteth ! Yet, 't is fitting that 
The fool break silence when the wise hath fear 
To speak; nor is the fool more foolish that 
He voices truth ; for many knaves are wise 
To human thought, who hold their peace when they 
Should speak; and thus the fool may teach the wise, 
And by his folly shame the knave. Away, 
Ye cringing slaves! w^e'U to the court of state 
To learn more wisdom, though we may not teach. 



A DKAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 85 



ACT V. 



(^lU't'ii's ap.'irtnuMit. Ii;Sther in sackclorii. Mar.locluii. Atlia;-h 
Tliainar and Maids. 

ESTHER. 

These days of tears and fasting have o'erhiino- 
Our spirit like a pall; woe beareth down 
With leaden weight; the future lowereth dark 
Upon our sight. Alas, poor Israel, 
My thrice unhappy race! 

THAMAH. 

Fair mistress, thou 
Hast lived the queen, and — 

ESTHER. 

Canst not die the (jueen? 
Aye, if the Lord so willeth. 

THAMAR. 

Nay, nay, speak 
Not so dispairingly. 

ESTHER. 

We thought to seek 
The king, but fear hath stood his sentinel, 
And frightened us awa3^ 

MARDOCHAI. 

Ah, Esther, must 
Thy p-ople walk like sheep unto the house 
Of slaughter, while thou boldest in thy hand 
A royal sceptn-V Co unto the king 
With our complaint, that we may live; permit 
Not (diosen Isra{^] to perish from 
The earth. 



;U) 



ESTHER; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 



ATHACH. 

Great queen, turn ear to our re(|uest, 
And save thy people. 

ESTHER. 

How may we approach 
The niajesty of Persia; has he not 
Dc^ereed that.all who dare draw near tlie throne 
And find no welcome, seek their death? 



MARDOCHAI. 

In God; let duty stifle fear. 

ESTHER. 



Trust thou 



Did not 



The king reward thee but a day ago? 
Perchance, he would grant thee this grace. 

MARDO('HAI. . 

A puff 
Of snH)ke, and gone as quickly. Nay, the king 
Hath paid nie once, and that the last. 

ESTHER. 

Hast thou 
Forgotten Martlochai, that Persia's laws 
Can not be changed ; the sentence hath been passed, 
The doom is fixed. 

MARDOCHAI. 

The God of Abraham 
Doth work His will despite the word of man ; 
'T is not for us to question how He may 
Avert our fate ; we know He can, if He 
So willeth. 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 



ESTHER. 



And hath Esther not this faith? 
Hath she not cast aside her pride of rank 
To wear the Scickelotli V hath she not with tears 
Besought the Lord to stay this stroke of wrath \ 
If God doth will that Esther tempt her death 
In pleading for her race, she hatli no fear. 

MAHDOCHAI. 

God willeth so, for Mardochai doth ask 
The favor. 

ESTHER. 

Nay, how so? 

MARDOCHAI. 

Remember thy 
Estate; thou wert not born to queenly rank, 
But won thy life beneath the captive's roof, 
And when thy parents died, old Mardochai 
Received from God the ])recious charge of thy 
Young life. 

ESTHER. ( WeepiiKj.) 

Aye, Mardochai, thou canst command: 
Thy message is from God. 

MARDOCHAI. 

Arra}" tliyself 
In royal robes; wear all thy richest gems, 
And on thy brow bear Persia's crown of state; 
Then fearlessly approach the king with thy 
Request. God gave thee beauty; use it now 
To save His chosen race. 

T II A MAR. 

And may He give 
Thee strength. 



HH esthp:r; the Persian queen, 



ATHACH. 

And ma}^ He stay the king's right ariu, 
To spare thee to the hind. 

ESTHER. 

Oh God, 1113^ Lord 
And King, have mercy on thy people; we 
Have sinned in giving worsliip to strange gods, 
Hut now repent: behold our tears, and let 
Them wash away our guilt; have pity, Lord 
Upon poor Esther who doth bear the sins 
Of her unhappy race ; be thou her strength, 
For she doth take her danger in her hands. 
Let not the wicked triumph, but confuse 
Their counsels; train her speech that she may tame 
The lion, and bring peace and safety to 
Thy chosen race. Go, Thamar, and prepare 
Our richest robes ; thou, Mardochai, command 
The Jews of Susan to beseech the Lord that grace 
May meet their queen before the Persian throne. 

8( enp: II. 

As*,uerus seated on his throne, surroinulcil by royal ,u:uai-(ls. \\:\- 
man Adniatlia. t'harsena, Zethar, Bazat 1. Hirbuna and nol)l'-s, 
slaves, ete. 

ASSUERLS. 

Long hath the light of empire filled our reign 

With its refulgence; brighter day by day 

Our glory shineth, cheering witli benign 

And warming rays the multitude who call 

Us lord; till now the noontide splendor of 

Our royal sway hath reached most distant lands 

Beyond the sacred Ganges, and in scorn 

()i sp-i>'e hath caught reflection where unknown 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 



:]9 



And savage tribes look eastward to the course 
Of that iiiysterioiis and wondrous Nile. 

HAM AN. 

Th}^ words, great king, have meaning, and the truth 
Doth make them clear. 

ADMATHA. 

Thy subjects are thy friends: 
Thy foes are dead, or living, they must (li(^. 

CHAHSENA. 

And how may traitors live, when even friends 
Who seek unbidden W(^h*ome from their king. 
Seek death. 

HAM AN. 

Dread is the majesty, in truth, 
That we behold. Great king, thy ghmce would kill, 
If sent in wrath against thy servant. 

ZETHAK. 

Then take heed 
'IMioii call it not, for oft it darteth ere 
Offense is rij)e. 

HAM AN. (sfdifs: then /(ln(///s.) 

Ha, fool, thou cireamest now 
Of fruitful fields and budding trees; thy thoughts 
Become a husbandman more than a sla\e 
At court. 



My thoughts when strong ring louder far 
In princely ears than mid the silent treis. 



40 ESTHER; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 

ASSUEKUS. 

What, knaves! how dare ye pass the mock before 
Our royal throne? 

HAMAN. (prosfi'dtliKj.) 

Thy pardon, sire. 

ZETHAR. 

■ When I 
Ha\^e sinned, I'll sue for pardon. 

ASSUERUS. 

Peace, thou fool ! 

[Knfer Ksfher with Thuiimr <ind iiidld. Allsfurf in 
(i](i nil .) 

ALL. 

The queen ! the queen ! 

ZETHAR. 

Woe, woe to Persia. 

i^Queeii <i(lr<(iice.s. ) 

HAMAN. 

Death 
To all who scorn the mandates of our king! 

(Guffi'd.s <((1l'<(iici^ with Jercled s/ira i;s.) 

ASSUERUS. 

Hold, slaves! 'tis Esther, Persia's queen! 

{^(riKirds sfdjid ii'ifh leveled spetns.) 

ADMATHA. 

Back, guards. 
The king commands! 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 41 

ASSUERUS. [leavliKj his fhroiie.) 

Rise, .Esther, thou hast t'oinul 
Hare favor in our sight. Fear nothing, when the king 
Doth bid thee welcome. 

EST II Eli. 

Save me from thy wrath. 

ASSUERUS. 

Fear not, our Estlier, thou wert born to rule 

The ro_yal heart of Persia ; laws that bind 

Both prince and peasant were not made fo»' thee: 

Behold, the sceptre falleth at thy word, 

And pledgeth thee both life and power. What 

Dost thou desire of Assuerus? 



Spare, 

king, thy faithful servant, Mardochai ! 

ASSUERUS. 

Thy wish is granted, and. in truth, if thou 
Hadst asked for half my kingdom, 't were 
This moment thine. But how hath Mardochai 
Offended? 

ESTHER. 

Gracious king, he is a Jew, 
And by decree must die; my father was 
His brother, and my name Edissa ere 

1 wore the crown; he reared me as his child; 
Unknowing, thou didst choose me as thy (pieen. 
And now hast doomed all Jews and me to death 

ASSUERUS. 

By mightv Asshur! bv great Baal, thou 
Shalt live ! 



42 ESTHER; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 



ESTHER. 

But thy decree can not be changed ; 
The fatal edict hath gone forth to all 
Thy provinces. 

ASSUERUS. 

Aye, true, our word must not 
Be changed, yet we can make the bearers of 
That bloody^^mandate but the victims of 
Their cruel zeal. We do remember that 
The Jews were sentenced as foul traitors to 
Their king. Who hath procured this doom ? 

[Haman .shrinks back.) 

ESTHER. 

My Lord, 
Yon guilty wretch, to glut his hate, hath done 
The deed — the proud and heartless Hanian ! 

ASSUEllUS. 

Ha, 

Thou cursed knave, we mind now of thy words 
Against the Jews, as if so fearful for 
Our royal life. 

HAMAN (Kneel iny.) 

My lord and king, thy wrath 
Is just. Oh, spare a wretched slave ! 

HARBONA. 

Behold, 
Great king, this cruel prince hath made me build 
A gibbet fifty cubits high to hang 
The faithful Jew, old Mardochai. 



A DKAMA IX FIVE ACTS. 48 



ASSUERUS. 

It hang the traitor, Hainan. 

HAM AN. 

M}^ master, mercy ! 

A8SUEKUS. 



Upon 



Mercy, oh, 



Wretch, dost thou novr plead 
For mercy V Guards, away! {Jlaman borne airaij.) 

ZETHAK. 

And thus ch)th fall 
The fruit of pride which lon<>" hath ripened to 
Its rottenness. 

ASSUEKUS. 

The knave, forsooth, would soon 
Aspire to reign, when he could foully hunt 
To death so many of our friends. What, ho! 
Bazath, go summon Mardochai unto 
Our presence. 

ESTHER. (Kiteeh'iH/.) 

Gracious king, my people then 

Shall live? 

ASSUERUS. 

Aye, live they shall. 

ESTHER. 

O God, Thou hast 
Been Esther's grace. 

i^F.iifcr Ba':<(fh aiid M <i rdoclni i . ) 



44 ESTHER; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 



BAZATH. 

Great master, Mardoehai 
Awaiteth th}^ good will. 

ASSUERUS. 

It doth appear. 
Leal Jew, thou art our kinsman, and to warm 
The ties of blood, we now declare thee prince 
Of Persia; on thy hand we place in trust 
Our signet ring, that thou shall henceforth be 
()ur second self. 

ALL. 

Hail, Mard()(diai ! Thrice hail. 
Our noble prince ! 

ASSUERUS 

And, furthermore, we do 
Decree that letters shall be sent to all 
Our provinces, from India's distant mounts 
To dusky Ethiopia, that on 
The thirteenth day of Adar, ever}^ Jew 
Shall seize the sword, and slay the henchmen of 
The fallen Ham an ; thus shall traitors drink 
A draught from their own cup. 

MARDOCHAI. 

Thy servant will obey, 
But thou dost honor him o'ermuch. 

ASSUERUS. 

Th}" honor is our own, and giving thee 

Reward, is but rewarding Persia's king. 

Come, Esther, faithful queen, and share our throne 

Of state; thy God hath triumphed o'er our foes. 

And Assuerus shall in safety reign 

With Mardochai to counsel as his mind. 

And Esther, fairest queen, to rule his heart. 



45 



ESTHER; THE PERSIAN QUEEN, 



:MAin)OCHAI. 

The vision now is clear; the dragons nuist 
Yet meet and fight; the tiny rivulet 
Already hath become a royal stream; 
The light of Israel doth fill the world, 
And God hath raised the humble from their 
Of lowliness; the proud have perished from 
His sight; thus doth He bide all human ill, 
For in His time He turneth ill to good. 

Curfdin. 



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